Saturday, March 6, 2010

It's been an unusually busy Saturday morning for Red Bulls rumor watchers. First off, our friends at ThreeFourThree bring us the news that RBNY has acquired former Welsh international and defensive midfielder Carl Robinson (pictured above) from Toronto FC for 2011 draft picks (details TBD).

Robinson, 33, has a lot of miles on his legs but has a very popular figure among TFC fans and one of the club's most consistent performers over recent seasons. He is also well-known as a positive presence in the locker room, so this could end up being a nice trade for the Red Bulls, depending on how much of Robinson's 315,000 salary the Red Bulls are on the hook for. What it means for Seth Stammler is an open question. Hans Backe has spoken about the need to bring in a midfielder to control the pace of the game and dictate play through the middle of the park. Could Robinson be that player? With Joel Lindpere looking strong in preseason, could we see the Estonian playing in a more advanced position with Robinson playing behind him?

We should mention that Duane Rollins at The 24th Minute had written about the possibility of Robinson coming to New York months ago.

Edit: There is still some confusion about the transaction. Sources in Toronto tell us that Robinson was cut and then obtained conditional compensation for the player's rights from the Red Bulls in the form of draft picks, which would presumably help RBNY better manage his salary. Soccer by Ives also reports on their Twitter page that Robinson was cut by TFC, but adds that Robinson would be coming to New York on trial.

Edit 2: The 24th Minute now confirms that Robinson has in fact been released by TFC and is on trial with the Red Bulls, with a compensation package of draft picks coming Toronto's way if Robbo sticks in New York. Rollins adds that, according to Sportsnet in Canada, TFC will also be required to assume a portion of Robinson's salary if the deal goes through.

On the goalkeeping front, media in Paraguay are reporting that former Rubio Ñu goalkeeper Anthony Silva is discussing a move to New York, with a decision expected this week. Take this one with a massive grain of salt. On the other hand, you have to wonder how satisfied Backe and Erik Solér are with the Red Bulls current keeper options. One red flag with Silva is that he shares something in common with former RBNY keeper Jon Conway - a doping suspension.

Finally, the Estonian revolution in Harrison will have to wait. Right back Enar Jääger, who had been trialing with the club, has signed with Aalesund in Norway, leaving Jeremy Hall and Luke Sassano as options at that position.

It's been an unusually busy Saturday morning for Red Bulls rumor watchers. First off, our friends at ThreeFourThree bring us the news that RBNY has acquired former Welsh international and defensive midfielder Carl Robinson (pictured above) from Toronto FC for 2011 draft picks (details TBD).

Robinson, 33, has a lot of miles on his legs but has a very popular figure among TFC fans and one of the club's most consistent performers over recent seasons. He is also well-known as a positive presence in the locker room, so this could end up being a nice trade for the Red Bulls, depending on how much of Robinson's 315,000 salary the Red Bulls are on the hook for. What it means for Seth Stammler is an open question. Hans Backe has spoken about the need to bring in a midfielder to control the pace of the game and dictate play through the middle of the park. Could Robinson be that player? With Joel Lindpere looking strong in preseason, could we see the Estonian playing in a more advanced position with Robinson playing behind him?

We should mention that Duane Rollins at The 24th Minute had written about the possibility of Robinson coming to New York months ago.

Edit: There is still some confusion about the transaction. Sources in Toronto tell us that Robinson was cut and then obtained conditional compensation for the player's rights from the Red Bulls in the form of draft picks, which would presumably help RBNY better manage his salary. Soccer by Ives also reports on their Twitter page that Robinson was cut by TFC, but adds that Robinson would be coming to New York on trial.

Edit 2: The 24th Minute now confirms that Robinson has in fact been released by TFC and is on trial with the Red Bulls, with a compensation package of draft picks coming Toronto's way if Robbo sticks in New York. Rollins adds that, according to Sportsnet in Canada, TFC will also be required to assume a portion of Robinson's salary if the deal goes through.

On the goalkeeping front, media in Paraguay are reporting that former Rubio Ñu goalkeeper Anthony Silva is discussing a move to New York, with a decision expected this week. Take this one with a massive grain of salt. On the other hand, you have to wonder how satisfied Backe and Erik Solér are with the Red Bulls current keeper options. One red flag with Silva is that he shares something in common with former RBNY keeper Jon Conway - a doping suspension.

Finally, the Estonian revolution in Harrison will have to wait. Right back Enar Jääger, who had been trialing with the club, has signed with Aalesund in Norway, leaving Jeremy Hall and Luke Sassano as options at that position.